Harris breakthrough ‘shouldn’t surprise anyone’

Johnston got in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday, so it was surprising to see him sent straight to “not playing.” Tre’ Harris figures to step in as Los Angeles’ top outside receiver by snaps this week and is a worthwhile FLEX play, even against a formidable Broncos defense.

Johnston and TE Charlie Kolar (forearm) both remained limited today, though WR Brenen Thompson (quad) downgraded. He did not practice, nor did Ladd McConkey (foot). Tre’ Harris could end up being the Chargers’ No. 1 wide receiver, but he would only be a FLEX against the Broncos.

For the second straight week, Harris finished with the most receiving yards on the day for the Chargers. For the second straight week — and fourth week in a row for Los Angeles — it wasn’t enough. If Ladd McConkey (foot) is unable to go, Harris will be the top target again in Week 5 against the Broncos, but against that tough group, he can’t be treated as more than a FLEX option.

This is the second game in a row that Harris has led the Chargers in receiving, but this was not simply because of one catch, like last week. Harris looked good in this one, making a few nice hands catches and showing some ability to gain yards after the catch. He only ran a route on 27 of the team’s 43 dropbacks, but with the team now 0-3, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chargers try to get Harris involved more next week against the Seahawks. Even if he doesn’t produce in a tough matchup, he’s worth a bench stash in most league types.

Harris broke free for a 53-yard strike early in the second half. He nearly took it to the house but was pushed out of bounds at the five-yard line, setting up an eventual Oronde Gadsden touchdown. Harris wasn’t heavily involved in the Bolts’ passing attack despite Ladd McConkey being hampered by a rib injury. With McConkey presumably getting healthier for Week 3, Harris is deep in the WR6/7 range for his upcoming matchup with Buffalo.

Harris saw a boost in playing time with Ladd McConkey sidelined with a chest injury. Most of Harris’ looks from Justin Herbert were of the short-area variety; he averaged 7.5 air yards per target and averaged 2.9 yards after contact per reception. Harris could have some draw in deeper leagues if McConkey misses time. The Chargers have a favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Raiders.

Harris missed a few practices last week with an undisclosed injury, and the team kept him inactive for Thursday’s preseason game against the 49ers. Reports on the matter have been sparse, but it appears as though Saturday’s limited session was his first action since the week prior. According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Harris snagged “a bunch of catches” before exiting team drills and spent “most of the day” working off to the side with Chargers trainers. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has viewed Chargers WR Quentin Johnston as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver. Harris is attempting to unseat him, yet would still warrant a late-round fantasy draft pick even if he begins the season in his current No. 3 role.

Thompson stopped by the blue medical tent before being taken to the locker room. This is a bummer. The speedy wide receiver played all three first-team reps with QB Justin Herbert. Herbert hung up his cleats for the night after that drive, but Thompson remained on the field, earning two targets from QB Trey Lance. The first yielded a seven-yard gain on a comeback route. The second was thrown 50-plus yards downfield. Thompson dove for it, but a defender likely got away with a DPI no-call, and Lance slightly overthrew the pass anyway. Hopefully, Thompson is only dealing with a minor injury and can continue his encouraging development soon. Chargers WRs Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris appear to be inactive.

Per Williams, Harris has been a frequent target for QB Justin Herbert. The Chargers’ top-four wide receivers continue to receive positive praise. Although it might be tough for Harris to produce reliably if he is stuck in the WR3 role behind WR1 Ladd McConkey and WR2 Quentin Johnston, he is a worthwhile best ball pick, and he could even warrant matchup-based FLEX consideration in re-draft.

Through two training camp practices, Thompson has been making plays when given opportunities with the first-team offense. On Wednesday, Chargers QB Justin Herbert told reporters that Thompson is “going to be very good” and “make a lot of plays.” In a piece published Thursday morning, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper reported that Thompson will be battling for snaps with WR Tre’ Harris, “who is also off to a great start.” Harris (6'3/210) can contribute as a receiver and as a blocker. While Thompson boasts 4.26-second 40 speed, at 5'9/164, it will be tough for him to bully defensive backs in the run game. Still, this is good news for dynasty and best ball managers who have taken late-round fliers on Thompson thus far.